The group discussed the escape route of the human traffickers. Fortunately, residents returning from the night shift had spotted the direction the traffickers' vehicle took, and the information was quickly relayed to the team. "Now we know they fled toward the southeast. There is a mountain road heading that way that leads directly to Tange City. Their stronghold is most likely located there!" Jesse analyzed, based on the intel.
"That's a long journey," Saiying interjected. "Our district has limited transportation we can mobilize. In terms of cargo capacity, we only have Uncle Xiaoluo's small delivery truck and this new motorcycle. As for weapons, we only have patrol stun batons and self-defense knives."
After a moment of contemplation, Xinya made a firm decision: "Let's integrate our existing resources and strength to carry out the rescue! If we delay any longer, the children might be moved again." The group nodded in agreement.
Although Xinya secretly longed for that mysterious man to help them once more, she realized that no matter how capable he was, he had no obligation to provide free help forever. She cast aside this fleeting wish, determined to rely on their own strength to retrieve the children. "Then, let's ask Uncle Xiaoluo to join us!" entrusted by the remaining residents, the team set off. With the captain still away, the rescue team, consisting of the five members from their group and three capable residents, totaling eight people, headed toward their destination in the two vehicles.
The motorcycle carried two, while the truck carried six, rumbling along the road in pursuit. "We've rarely been to Tange City. Even if we arrive, we have no way of knowing where their lair is," Saiying said, sounding anxious. "We'll play it by ear and keep a sharp eye out for that suspicious vehicle," Xinya replied.
After a journey of over three hours, they finally reached the outskirts of Tange City. Leaving six people to stand by at the parking lot, Xinya and Jesse took the motorcycle into the city to search. They circled around the city with no success. As time slipped away, the safety of the children became increasingly precarious. "We can't keep wandering around aimlessly like this; we need to come up with a plan," Jesse suggested. "Do you have any good ideas?" Xinya asked.
"One who knows the trade knows the way. Let me go and ask around," Jesse said. After getting off, he walked to a nearby tavern. A while later, he jogged back. "I've got a lead, let's go!" He jumped on the bike and drove Xinya toward their destination. After some travel, they arrived in front of a tall building. "This is? The headquarters of Wolfs Trading?" Xinya read the sign on the building. "According to the bartender's tip, Wolfs has been 'adopting' orphans from all over. They are the prime suspects," Jesse said while parking the bike.
"But how do we get in?" Xinya asked. "Naturally, we infiltrate under disguise," the quick-witted Jesse replied with a smile. Under his guidance, the two infiltrated through the emergency exit on the side of the building. They arrived at a room resembling a janitorial closet, where they found and changed into workers' uniforms. Just as they passed the building's internal parking garage, they unexpectedly spotted the suspected traffickers' truck. They approached and inspected it carefully, finding a child's shoe inside.
"Now we can be certain the children are being held inside this building. We are outnumbered, so let's call the partners at the parking lot for reinforcements," Xinya instructed. Jesse agreed and dialed Saiying's communicator.
As the rest of the group arrived, Xinya led them to bypass the surveillance cameras and enter the building. They all changed into work uniforms and split into four groups of two to explore the premises. If they encountered any bystanders, they pretended to be engaged in cleaning work. By eavesdropping on the employees' conversations, they soon pinpointed that the children were likely imprisoned in a secret room on the seventh floor. Xinya adjusted their plan again: Uncle Xiaoluo left the building to wait in the truck, ready to drive at a moment's notice. Xinya, Jesse, Saiying, and two other residents prepared to launch a forceful assault on the secret room, while Ruta and Qili acted as lookouts nearby. A battle for the rescue was on the brink of erupting.